So, remember how much I loved my claw pooper scooper? Well, I’m adding a caveat …
It doesn’t work so great in the snow.
Sure, in newly fallen snow, you’ll be OK, but once layers upon layers of snow have drifted, hardened and gotten pockmarked from the wind and the dogs walking on it, it’s actually quite hard to scoop.
The paw prints in the snow don’t help, and … well … not to be too graphic, but the hot deposits tend to melt the snow and sink down.
I’ve nearly broken the claw pooper scooper trying to wiggle it enough to get underneath the piles.
I’ve taken to scooping everything immediately to avoid glitches, but I it looks like I might need a better mini-shovel, mini-rake option for winter.
Those of you who live in cold / snowy climates … any recommendations?
I’ve used a scrapper and dust pan. Currently I have this, but just use the spade and not the rake:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10928014&lmdn=Cleanup
I was just out picking up poop, and kicked the frozen poop with my boot to loosen it. Sounds gross, but it works. Sometimes I had to kick a lot, but it’s the only thing that works for me (but I like Candice’s and Sheryl’s idea, too–I do have water but don’t have a lawn edger).
I use a lawn edger with a flat edge along the bottom (instead of the half circle) and I chip the frozen poop out of the snow/ice. Then I can pick it up with my regular tools – a child’s plastic snow shovel with a child’s plastic garden hoe. They’re lightweight and easy to handle.
Take a flask of hot water instead and dissolve it all the way! :)… do not stand over the rising odor vapors though! LOL!